Criminology BA
Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Criminology
Queen's University Belfast
Criminology
Program Overview: BA Criminology at Queen's University Belfast
The BA (Hons) in Criminology at Queen's University Belfast provides a unique vantage point to study crime and justice in a society transitioning from conflict. The program examines how activities come to be defined as criminal, why definitions and responses to crime vary over time and place, and how people are affected by harmful behaviours.
The program covers a broad range of perspectives on understanding crime and criminal behaviour, examining methods in the prevention, policing, and punishment of crime. It also considers issues related to harm and victimisation, alongside how and why people move away from offending behaviour and how reintegration can be facilitated.
Taught within the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work (SSESW), you will be educated by internationally recognised criminological researchers who specialise in areas such as justice and conflict, policing, youth crime, victimisation, international criminal justice, imprisonment, trauma, and violence. Local and global examples are used throughout the program to illustrate how these issues shape the world around us.
Key Program Highlights
- Study crime and justice in a unique post-conflict society setting, offering perspectives unavailable at most other UK universities
- Taught by award-winning staff in a School rated as one of the leading departments in the United Kingdom
- Opportunities for study abroad at linked universities across Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region
- Optional Quantitative Methods pathway allowing students to graduate with a BSc with Quantitative Methods enhancement
Curriculum and Modules
The BA Criminology curriculum is structured across three progressive stages, building from foundational criminological concepts to advanced specialist topics. Core modules are delivered by expert criminology staff who have published widely in their fields, and the program includes both qualitative and quantitative research training alongside theoretical and applied criminological study.
Introduction to Criminology
20 UK CreditsA general introduction to criminology covering historical and contemporary crime and crime control, the workings of the criminal justice system, sources of information on crime, and an introduction to theoretical concepts in criminology.
Criminological Theory
20 UK CreditsExplores the major theoretical traditions in criminology, examining how concepts such as crime, criminality, policing, and punishment are shaped by historical, political, social, and cultural factors.
Qualitative Research Methods
20 UK CreditsIntroduces students to a variety of qualitative and explorative research methods, including research ethics, methods of data collection, and basic techniques for analysing qualitative social data.
Punishment, Penal Policy and Prison
20 UK CreditsExamines the role of prison and punishment in society, exploring penal policy, the impact of imprisonment, and debates around the effectiveness of custodial sentences in reducing crime.
Youth, Crime and Criminal Justice
20 UK CreditsExplores specific issues relating to youth crime, examining theories on the causes of youth offending and the role criminal justice systems play in responding to young people in conflict with the law.
Research Project and Dissertation
40 UK CreditsA self-directed research project on a criminological topic of your choice, drawing on the research and intellectual skills developed throughout the degree to produce an original piece of academic work.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
The BA Criminology at Queen's University Belfast welcomes applicants from a range of academic backgrounds. There are no specific subject requirements to study Criminology, though strong performance in your prior qualifications is expected. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on how your qualifications align with entry requirements.
Academic Requirements
- A-Level Typical OfferABB-BBB (or equivalent qualifications). Contact Uni4Edu for current data.
- IB DiplomaContact Uni4Edu for the current IB points requirement
- GCSE RequirementsPast performance at GCSE is considered when making offers; typically a minimum of grade B/6 in several subjects
- Subject RequirementsNo specific subject requirements to study Criminology
- International QualificationsEquivalent international qualifications accepted. Contact Uni4Edu for country-specific requirements.
English Language Requirements
- IELTSContact Uni4Edu for the current minimum IELTS score and band requirements
- TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for the current minimum TOEFL score
- Pre-sessional EnglishPre-sessional English language courses available through Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre for students who need to improve their English
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Queen's University Belfast is committed to supporting international students, with over GBP 1.5 million in international scholarships available annually. Several funding opportunities are available to Criminology students, ranging from merit-based awards to automatic fee reductions. Contact Uni4Edu for full details on eligibility and how to apply.
Vice-Chancellor's International Attainment Scholarship
50% tuition fee reductionA prestigious scholarship providing a 50% tuition fee reduction for international undergraduate students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. This competitive award is available to exceptionally talented students paying international tuition fee rates.
International Office Undergraduate Scholarship
Up to GBP 4,000 tuition fee reductionAvailable exclusively to new international students beginning their first year of full-time undergraduate study at Queen's University Belfast. No separate application is required; eligible students are automatically considered.
Early Confirmation Award
GBP 1,500 tuition fee reductionA tuition fee reduction available to undergraduate and postgraduate students who confirm their acceptance of an offer early. Contact Uni4Edu for specific confirmation deadlines and eligibility criteria.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Criminology graduates from Queen's University Belfast are well-prepared for a wide range of careers across the criminal justice sector, public services, and beyond. Students benefit from a dedicated Careers Consultant who provides one-to-one support on job applications, interview preparation, and CV development. The Future Ready Skills Certificate further enhances employability by developing professional competencies valued by employers.
Potential Career Paths
Typical Employing Organisations
Rankings and Recognition
Queen's University Belfast is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and consistently ranks among the top universities in the UK and globally. The university has secured a place in the global top 200 in both the QS and THE World University Rankings, reflecting its growing international reputation for research and education excellence.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Criminology | Times Good University Guide | #7 in UK |
| Social Policy and Administration | QS World Rankings by Subject | Top 100 Globally |
| Social Work | The Guardian | #6 in UK |
| Law | The Guardian | #25 in UK |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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